The BBC states that its relationship with independent companies and the programmes they produce are a fundamental part of achieving our overall aims and objectives, and is keen to commission cross-media productions.
The main examples of these are:
• Websites - integrated programme sites, live webchats or online community applications such as chat rooms
• Interactive TV - Enhancement of linear programmes through additional audio or video content, voting, messaging or gaming
• Mobile Devices - Text messages, WAP content, MP2/3/4 downloads, 3G video downloads, streaming and bluetooth content distribution
BBC Wales and independent production companies...
How The Commissioning Process Works
BBC Wales has specific commissioning rounds throughout the year which are initiated by a commissioning brief. The brief sets out the programme/s they are looking for, gives an indication of particular strands with examples of previous commissions and defines the tariff range within which the license fee payable by the BBC will fall.
When the brief is issued they set a timetable within which they will make decisions regarding shortlisting, interviews and commissioning.
- Example of commission -
December 2006
Young Adults - BBC 2W / BBC TWO Wales
BBC Wales wishes to commission exciting multiplatform entertainment for a younger audience demographic. Closing date 30 January 2007.
BBC Wales wishes to commission exciting multiplatform entertainment content for a younger
audience demographic. It will lead on ‘primetime’ television with strong ‘family’ branches on
line, and possibly on the radio. The minimum television requirement will be 20 x 30, hitting
the screen May 07. We are therefore seeking imaginative, innovative and distinctive
propositions from Independent Production Companies in Wales with strong track records in
high quality and high volume entertainment programmes for young adult audiences.
Premise:
Content for a younger BBC Wales demographic (18 – 30): a popular entertaining watchable,
irreverent, informative brand of content that will attract younger viewers. It will give them
loyalty to BBC Wales and to its content in this ‘light’ entertainment genre. It will be talked
about, push the envelope, be different, contemporary and innovative but watched.
Brand:
The Brand will be developed for television, online and radio in various manifestations. These
content manifestations will target specific aspects of the demographic from relax, sit back, be
entertained and feel amused and ‘naughty’ to the edgy, knowing, ‘kool’, rude. We want the
Brand to change their view of BBC Wales, its content and its relevance to them and get them
to watch and use other BBC Wales content with regularity!
Content:
We imagine that it might be celebrity led and have Music and Sport as its backbone, but also
celebrity gossip, fashion, news items and live bands.
Process:
BBC Wales therefore would welcome substantial tender proposals by January 30th 2007 that
include:
1) A content proposition that matches (and expands on the above brief) highlighting,
Editorial, style and key personnel ‘on’ and off’ screen.
(Screen test dvds of any unknown or new discoveries will be appreciated)
2) A production process schedule from research to broadcast.
3) Company CV and track record.
4) a ‘style’ showreel.
Outside these specific commissioning rounds they do look out for the ‘next big thing’, so you can send your ideas in at anytime and try a convince them that you are ‘it’
It has become increasingly important in a multi-channel environment to maximise the potential for ideas and programmes put forward to BBC Wales. You need to consider BBC Network, cross genre and cross media potential and think whether a programme would work best on television or radio, whether it could have an interactive element or have shorter spin offs on 2W, for example.
Even if your expertise does not encompass these areas the BBC can help you develop, realise and maximise your ideas for collaborative ideas and formats.
Proposal Layout
• Title
• Volume and Duration
• Indication/Acceptance that the programme can be made on the allocated budget
• Delivery
• Key Talent (Intended presenter, director/producer, other relevant individuals)
• Your name and contact number on all pages (even if you have sent a covering letter with these details)
• If your proposal is centred around a specific individual or organisation you will need to state whether they have given you permission to film
• Highlight any area with potential link ups for new media and other media
• If there is a time factor linked to the project please state this at the top of the proposal
• Concept/Synopsis: No more than one side A4, stating in your first paragraph what or who the programme/s is about and what it will show us
Confidentiality
BBC Wales will treat as confidential any proposals received. The BBC adheres to the code of practice as agreed between the Alliance for the Protection of Copyright and BBC, ITV, C4 and Channel 5.
Submitting Ideas
Outside of publicised commissioning rounds, in the first instance please send your ideas through to the Commissioning Department either by email to commissioningwales@bbc.co.uk or by post to Martyn Ingram, Room 3023 Broadcasting House, BBC Wales, Llandaff, Cardiff, CF5 2YQ. Your ideas will be registered and then discussed with the relevant genre heads within BBC Wales.
New Media Department Details
Email:newmedia.wales@bbc.co.uk
Telephone: 02920 323077
Fax: 02920 322169
Address: Room M2001, Ty Oldfield, BBC Wales, Llandaff, Cardiff, CF5 2YQ.
Links
http://www.bbc.co.uk/commissioning/newmedia/index.shtml
http://www.bbctraining.com/newMedia.asp
http://informitv.com/articles/2006/07/19/bbcannouncesradical/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2006/04_april/25/newmedia.shtml
This is the one
http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/info/commissioning/content/newmedia.shtml
